Book Title: Jain Ramayana Part 1
Author(s): Bhadraguptasuri
Publisher: Vishvakalyan Prakashan Trust Mehsana

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Page 341
________________ This is Samsar 329 "Dear king! When a girl has to experience torture in her mother-in-law's house and when injustice is done to her the only refuge for her is her father's house". "But dear Chief Minister! How can we give refuge to this sinner? How can we allow this despicable woman to enter our house? She has stained the honour of our family". Prasannakirti said in an excited manner. "Dear prince! You are renowned for your knowledge, intelligence, wisdom and love of justice. You please tell me how and on what basis you have concluded that Anjana is a sinner? Is it not likely that she is innocent ? Do we not know that Anjana's mother-in-law is a harsh and heartless woman? Is it not possible that Ketumati has made this false accusation against her ? Therefore, I entreat you to give shelter to Anjana in Mahendrapur and to take care of her. Please do not forget, oh king ! that Anjana is your daughter and that your blood is flowing through her veins”. Hearing the words of the Chief Minister, Prasannakirti became silent. He could not say anything but the Chief Minister's words gave no relief to the worried mind of King Mahendra : "Dear Chief Minister! I agree that in this world we hear about such harsh and heartless mothers-in-law as Ketumati but we have not heard such a story as that of Anjana. We have not heard about such a daughter-in-law. The child in her womb cannot be Pavananjay's because we have heard that for the last twenty-two years he has not even glanced at her, let alone meeting her. He always treated her with bitter contempt. Therefore, I think that the step that Ketumati has taken is proper and that she has taken the step after careful thinking”. We cannot say what a high place of importance King Mahendra gave in his mind to noble conduct and noble thoughts. But his noble heart was not willing to be shaken by seeing Anjana. "Of course Anjana is absolutely innocent. She has not committed any sin". Though he knew this truth and though his heart shook with compassion when he thought that Anjana Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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